Method and system for use with a consumable beverage

ABSTRACT

A system for use with a consumable beverage includes a container having a mouth. A lid is detachably engaged with the container. A collar is adapted to be seated in the mouth of the container. The collar defines an opening therein. A thermal energy storing member is detachably engagable with the opening in the collar and/or the lid. A collar for supporting an end of a thermal energy storing member; a lid for a container adapted to engage a thermal energy storing member; and method of providing a chilled consumable beverage are each separately detailed herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of: (1) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/444,654, filed May 23, 2003, entitled“Method and System for Use With a Consumable Beverage”; (2) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/128,022, entitled “Method and System for usewith a Consumable Beverage”, filed on Apr. 23, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,494,056; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/212,976, “Method andSystem for use with a Consumable Beverage”, filed on Aug. 5, 2002, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,584,800; each of the above-identified applications ishereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to devices and methods for enhancingthe quality of consumable beverages and, more specifically, to a systemfor use with a consumable beverage and a method of providing a chilledconsumable beverage. Beverages are typically chilled using ice cubes tomaintain a desired beverage temperature. However, the use of ice cubesresults in the dilution of the beverage due to the introduction of waterresulting from the melting of ice cubes. Additionally, some people willspill beverages or find filled beverage bottles to be unwieldy due to asudden shift in the bottle's center of mass caused by unexpectedmovement of ice cubes when the beverage container is tilted.

To overcome this difficulty, re-freezable inserts have been developedfor use with drink bottles. These re-freezable inserts can be placed indrink bottles to maintain a beverage in a chilled condition. However, amethod for satisfactorily securing a re-freezable insert in a drinkbottle has not been developed.

Clearly, what is needed is a method and system for use with a consumablebeverage that securely mounts a thermal energy storing member within acontainer; that preferably mounts the thermal energy storing member toeither a collar or a lid of the container; that preferably incorporatesan easy to operate twist lock connection for securing the thermal energystoring member; that preferably allows easy removal of the thermalenergy storing member without requiring the removal of other systemcomponents; and that is that fun and easy to use by children.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for usewith a consumable beverage. The system includes a container having amouth. A lid is detachably engagable with the container. A collar isadapted to be seated in the mouth of the container. The collar definesan opening therein. A thermal energy storing member is detachablyengagable with the opening in the collar and/or the lid.

A separate embodiment of the present invention is directed to a collarfor supporting an end of a thermal energy storing member proximate tothe mouth of a consumable beverage container. The collar includes a bodyconfigured to complement a shape of the mouth. The body defines anopening therethrough. The opening is adapted to engage the end of thethermal energy storing member.

A separate embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lid fora container adapted to engage a thermal energy storing member. The lidincludes a body adapted to engage the container and having an innersurface. The inner surface is adapted to receive at least a portion ofthe thermal energy storing member therein. The inner surface is adaptedto form, in combination with the thermal energy storing member, a liquidpassageway along the thermal energy storing member and through the body.

A separate embodiment of the present invention is directed to a methodof providing a chilled consumable beverage. The method includes:providing a container having a mouth; placing a consumable beverage inthe container; chilling a thermal energy storing member; and insertingthe chilled thermal energy storing member into the container such thatthe chilled energy storing member contacts the consumable beverage tocool to the consumable beverage within the container, the chilled energystoring member being securely positionable within the container via acollar seated proximate to the mouth of the container.

A separate embodiment of the present invention is directed to a systemfor use with a consumable beverage. The system includes a containerhaving a mouth. A lid detachably engagable with the container. A thermalenergy storing member detachably engagable with the lid via a twist lockmechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment of the present invention will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. Forpurposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings,an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however,that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement andinstrumentality shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for use with a consumablebeverage according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded partial view of the system of FIG. 1 illustratinga lid, a collar, a thermal energy storing member, and a top of acontainer;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the collar of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1 as taken alongthe line 4-4 of FIG. 1 illustrating the thermal energy storing membersecured in an opening in the collar;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the system of the FIG. 4 as takenalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 4 illustrating the engagement between thethermal energy storing member and a thread within the opening in thecollar;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 4 as taken alongthe line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and illustrates a top plan view of thecombination collar and thermal energy storing member when seated withinthe mouth of the container;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 illustrating the system ofFIG. 4 with the collar removed so that the thermal energy storing memberdirectly engages the lid;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 7 as taken alongthe line 8-8 of FIG. 7 illustrating the engagement between the thermalenergy storing member and a thread within the lid; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 7 as taken alongthe line 9-9 of FIG. 7 illustrating a top plan view of the thermalenergy storing member when engaged with a portion of the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and“lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use with aconsumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The terminologyincludes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof,and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” aredefined as including one or more of the referenced item unlessspecifically stated otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, a preferred embodiment of a system for use with a consumablebeverage is shown and generally designated as 10. Briefly stated, thesystem includes a container 10 for enclosing a beverage 48 and a thermalenergy storing member 44 therein to maintain the beverage 48 in either achilled or heated condition. The thermal energy storing member 44 ispreferably securable to either one of a collar 18 (further describedbelow) or a lid 16 (further described below) via a convenient twist lockfeature that allows the thermal energy member 44 to be easily disengagedfrom either component so that the remaining portions of the system 10can used with beverages while the thermal energy storing member 44 isbeing heated or cooled. Additionally, the system 10 can be used with oneof multiple interchangeable thermal energy storing members 44, to avoiddelays caused by waiting for a single thermal energy storing member 44to re-freeze or re-heat prior to continued use of the system 10.

The system 10 and its component parts are preferably formed from asturdy, non-reactive, durable material, such as a suitable polymer.However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from thisdisclosure that the system 10 and its various components can be formedfrom any materials suitable for use with beverages. The thermal energystoring member 44 preferably contains a gelatinous material that isformed of re-freezable material and/or re-heatable material, such as thenon-toxic materials used in gel packs and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 10 for use with a consumablebeverage 48 includes a container 12 having a mouth 14. While it ispreferred that the container 12 is part of a sports bottle, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that anytype of container 12 can be used with the system 10 of the presentinvention. Similarly, while it is preferred that the mouth 14 of thecontainer 12 is generally circularly shaped, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate from this disclosure that the mouth 14 can haveany shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The container 12 preferably has at least one thread 52 positionedgenerally around a substantial portion of a perimeter of the container12 proximate to the mouth 14 for engaging a lid 16. Alternatively, thecontainer 12 can engage the lid 16 via a snap fit without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the lid 16 is preferably detachably engagablewith the container 12 by engaging at least one lid thread 54 with the atleast one lid thread 52. The least one lid thread 54 generally extendssubstantially around an inner surface of the lid 16 for detachablyengaging the container 12. The lid 16 preferably includes a pull top 56to allow the container 12 to be sealed when not in use.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, the lid 16 is formed by a lid body 50that preferably has a tube section 34 for receiving a least a portion ofthe thermal energy storing member 44 therein. The tube section 34 ispreferably generally cylindrical shaped.

The thermal energy storing member 44 can be attached to either one ofthe lid 16 or the collar 18 (further described below). The connectionbetween the thermal energy storing member 44 and the lid 16 is asfollows. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 7, the thermal energy storingmember 44 preferably has at least one groove 24 adapted to form, incombination with the tube section 34, a liquid passageway 36 through thelid 16 when the collar 18 is not used with the system 10. Grooves 24 arepreferably located on opposing sides of the top end 62 of the thermalenergy storing member 44. Each groove 24 preferably extends generallyinwardly into the thermal energy storing member to form a flared section58.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the thermal energy storing member 44 isengaged with the lid 16, a shoulder 60 of the thermal energy storingmember 44 preferably abuts, or is proximate to, the bottom end of thetube section 34. The flared section 58 of the groove(s) 24 allowsbeverage 48 to flow from the inside of the container 12 through theflared section 58 and through tube section 34 (i.e., through the liquidpassageway 26).

As best shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8 the upper end 62 of the thermalenergy storing member 44 preferably has a generally oblong shape toallow opposing ends 64 to engage the inner surface of the tube section34 while still leaving an opening that forms part of the liquidpassageway 26 through which the beverage 48 can flow out of thecontainer 12. Thus, the lid inner surface 66 is adapted to receive atleast a portion of the thermal energy storing member 44 and is adaptedto form, in combination with the thermal energy storing member 44, theliquid passageway 26 along the thermal energy storing member 44 andthrough the lid body 50. The routing of the liquid passageway 24 alongthe thermal energy storing member 44 results in the more efficientcooling (or heating) of the beverage 48 just prior to consumptionthereof.

It is preferable that at least one thread 68 is positioned within thetube section 34 to engage the thermal energy storing member 44. Theopposing ends 64 of the top portion 62 of the thermal energy storingmember 44 preferably have recesses 70 that are complementarily shaped toreceive the tube section thread 68 of the lid 16. Thus, the tube sectionone thread 68 allows the inner surface of the lid 16 to detachablyengage the thermal energy storing member 44 using a twist lockmechanism. This allows for quick and secure mounting of the thermalenergy storing member 44. Additionally, this secure positioning of thethermal energy storing member avoids excessive shifting of thecontainer's center of mass when the drink bottle is tilted.

As mentioned above, the thermal energy storing member 44 can also besecured to the collar 18. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the collar 18 isadapted to be seated in the container mouth 14. Supports 72 arepreferably positioned on a inner surface of the container 12 proximateto the mouth 14 to brace the bottom side of the collar 18. This allowsthe collar 18 to be slid inside of the mouth 14 and braced by supports72 such that the top surface of the collar 18 is generally aligned withthe upper edge of the mouth 14. The collar 18 has a body 46 defining anopening 20 therein which is adapted to engage the end 62 of the thermalenergy storing member 44. The opening 20 preferably, but notnecessarily, has a generally cylindrical shape. The collar body 46complements the shape of the mouth 14.

The thermal energy storing member 44 preferably has at least one groove24 adapted to form, in combination with the collar 18, a liquidpassageway 24 though the collar 18. Referring to FIG. 5, when thethermal energy storing member 44 is engaged with the collar, theshoulder 60 of the thermal energy storing member 44 preferably abuts, oris located proximate to, the lower edge 74 of the collar 18. Thepositioning of the groove 24 generally below the shoulder 60 of thethermal energy storing member 44 allows the beverage 48 to pass throughthe groove 24 underneath the lower edge 74 of the collar 18 and throughthe liquid passageway 24. As the beverage 48 travels along the thermalenergy storing member 44, the beverage 48 is chilled (or heated) toprovide enhanced enjoyment to a drinker. The routing of the liquidpassageway 24 along the thermal energy storing member 44 results in themore efficient cooling (or heating) of the beverage 48 just prior toconsumption thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the collar 18 preferably defines at leastone vent 28 therethrough to create a second liquid passageway 30. Thesecond liquid passageway 30 provides improved beverage flow 48 withinthe container. The vent(s) 28 is preferably spaced from the thermalenergy member 44.

It is preferred that at least one thread 32 is positioned within thecollar opening 20 that is adapted to engage the thermal energy storingmember 44. The engagement between the collar thread 32 and the recess 70in the thermal energy storing member 44 allows for a twist lockconnection between the thermal energy storing member 44 and the collarthat provides a secure placement of the thermal energy storing member 44within the container 12. This prevents the center of gravity of a fulldrinking system 10 from suddenly shifting due to the movement of theenergy storing member 44 therein. Additionally, the twist lockengagement between the thermal energy storing member 44 and the collar18 provides for quick and easy removal and replacement of the thermalenergy storing member 44 when desired. When the thermal energy storingmember 44 is twisted and locked in position relative to the collar 18;the collar 18 is seated generally within the mouth 14 of the container;and the lid 16 is secured over the mouth 14 of the container 12, theenergy storing member 44 and the collar 18 are secured in position.Thus, the collar 18 is securable in position when seated in the mouth 14and the lid 16 is detachably engaged with the container 12.

As is clear from the above description of the engagement between thethermal energy storing member 44 and either the lid 16 or the collar 18,the thermal energy storing member 44 is detachably engagable with thecollar 18 and/or the lid 16. It is preferably that the end 62 of thethermal energy storing member 44 that is attached to the collar 18 orthe lid 16 is alignable along the longitudinally axis 40 of thecontainer 12.

The present invention also includes a method of providing a chilledconsumable beverage. The method includes the steps of providing acontainer 12 having a mouth 14 and placing a consumable beverage 48 inthe container 12. The method also includes chilling a thermal energystoring member 44 and inserting the chilled thermal energy storingmember 44 into the container 12 such that the chilled thermal energystoring member 44 contacts the consumable beverage 48 to cool thebeverage 48 enclosed within the container 12. The chilled thermal energystoring member 44 is securely positioned within the container 12 via acollar 18 seated proximate to the mouth 14 of the container 12. Themethod of the present invention preferably includes securing a lid 16over the mouth 14 that also secures the collar 18 in the seated positionand inserting the chilled thermal energy storing member 44 within theopening 20 in the collar 18 such that a liquid passageway 26 along thechilled thermal energy storing member 44 and through the collar 18 isformed. The method of the present invention preferably includesproviding a collar 18 having at least one vent 28 therethrough to form asecond liquid passageway 30 through the collar 18. The at least one vent28 is preferably spaced from the opening 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, one embodiment of the system 10 for use with aconsumable beverage 48 operates as follows. The lid 16 is removed fromthe container 12 and the combination collar 18 and thermal energystoring member 44 is removed from the container 12. Once the combinationcollar 18 and thermal energy storing member 44 are removed from thecontainer 12, the thermal energy storing member 44 is twisted todisengage the recesses 70 from the collar thread 32 to allow to thethermal energy storing member 44 to be separated from the collar

Then, the thermal energy storing member 44 is heated or chilled asdesired and the container 12 is filled with a consumable beverage 48 andthe heated or chilled thermal energy storing member 44 is engaged withone of the collar 18 or the lid 16 to maintain a desired beveragetemperature. To attach the thermal energy storing member 44 to thecollar 18, the upper end 62 of the thermal energy storing member 44 isinserted into the opening 20 of the collar 18 and twisted to engage therecesses 70 with the collar thread 32. This twist lock feature securelypositions the thermal energy storing member 44 relative to the collar 18and relative to the container 12.

Once the thermal energy storing member 44 is attached to the collar 18,the combination is inserted into the mouth 14 of the container 12 withthe underside of the collar 18 resting on supports 72. Then, the lid 16is secured over the mouth 14 to sandwich the collar 18 in positionbetween the supports 72 and an inner surface of the lid 16.

Alternatively, when the thermal energy storing member 44 is attached tothe lid 16, the upper end 62 of the thermal energy storing member 44 isinserted into the tube section 34 of the lid 16 and twisted to engagethe recesses 70 with the lid thread 68. Thus, the thermal energy storingmember 44 uses the advantageous twist lock securing feature regardlessof whether the thermal energy storing member 44 is secured to the collar18 or to the lid 16.

The liquid passageways formed by the groove 24 of the thermal energystoring member 44 and one of the collar 18 and the lid 16 allow forbeverage 48 to flow along the thermal energy storing member 44 towardthe pull top 56 of the container 12 and enhances the heat transferefficiency of the system. Additionally, by securely positioning thethermal energy storing member 44 along the longitudinal axis 40 of thecontainer 12, sudden shifts in the center of gravity of the system 10due to tilting of the container are reduced. This simplifies thehandling of the container 12. Furthermore, the efficient and simpletwist lock mechanism for securing the thermal energy storing member 44allows the cooling (or heating) element of the system 10 to be removedwhile still allowing the system 10 to be used for drinking. Multiplethermal energy storing members 44 can be used with a single lid 16 andcontainer 12 combination.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be madeto the above described embodiment of the invention without departingfrom the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore,that this invention is not limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed, but is intended to cover to all modifications which arewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

1. A system for use with a consumable beverage, the system comprising: acontainer having an upper perimeter portion defining a mouth; a liddetachably engageable with the container; a collar located within themouth and the upper perimeter portion of the container, the collar beingpositioned such that the collar is non-threadably held within the mouthby the lid upon attachment of the lid to the container; a thermal energystoring member detachably engageable with the collar; and at least oneliquid passageway between an inside of the container and the mouth. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the collar defines at least one liquidpassageway therethrough.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the collarfurther defines a second liquid passageway therethrough adapted todirect liquid from an upper portion of the container to the mouth of thecontainer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the collar defines aplurality of liquid passageways therethrough adapted to direct liquidfrom an upper portion of the container to the mouth of the container. 5.The system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of liquidpassageways is generally wedge shaped.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinan end of the thermal energy storing member is attachable to the collarsuch that the thermal energy storing member is alignable along alongitudinal axis of the container.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe thermal energy storing member contains a re-freezable material. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy storing membercontains a re-heatable material.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thethermal energy storing member contains a gelatinous material.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy storing member isengageable with the collar by fully inserting an end of the thermalenergy storing member into the collar.
 11. A system for use with aconsumable beverage, the system comprising: a container having an upperperimeter portion defining a mouth; a lid detachably engageable with thecontainer; a collar located within the mouth and the upper perimeterportion of the container, the collar being positioned such that thecollar is non-threadably held within the mouth by the lid uponattachment of the lid to the container, wherein the collar defines aplurality of liquid passageways therethrough adapted to direct liquidfrom an upper portion of the container to the mouth of the container; athermal energy storing member detachably engageable with the collar; andat least one liquid passageway between an inside of the container andthe mouth.
 12. A system for use with a consumable beverage, the systemcomprising: a container having an upper perimeter portion defining amouth; a lid detachably engageable with the container; a collar locatedwithin the month and the upper perimeter portion of the container, thecollar being non-threadably held within the mouth by the lid uponattachment of the lid to the container; a thermal energy storing memberdetachably engageable with the collar via a twist lock mechanism whereinthe thermal energy storing member can be securely engaged with thecollar by inserting an end of the thermal energy storing member into thecollar; and at least one liquid passageway between an inside of thecontainer and the mouth.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the collardefines at least one liquid passageway therethrough.
 14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the collar further defines a second liquid passagewaytherethrough adapted to direct liquid from an upper portion of thecontainer to the mouth of the container.
 15. The system of claim 12,wherein the collar defines a plurality of liquid passagewaystherethrough adapted to direct liquid from an upper portion of thecontainer to the mouth of the container.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein each of the plurality of liquid passageways is generally wedgeshaped.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein an end of the thermal energystoring member is attachable to the collar such that the thermal energystoring member is alignable along a longitudinal axis of the container.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the thermal energy storing membercontains a re-freezable material.
 19. The system of claim 17, whereinthe thermal energy storing member contains a re-heatable material. 20.The system of claim 17, wherein the thermal energy storing membercontains a gelatinous material.